DAVIE, Fla. — It’s a debatable topic, this notion of a “big” NFL game in September. Players tell themselves no game is bigger than another. They would maintain, at least in theory, that the Rams’ 38-31 victory over the Vikings on Thursday was just as significant as the Rams’ 34-0 victory over winless Arizona in Week 2.

“Every game is big in the NFL,” said Dolphins veteran running back Frank Gore.

To that end, Miami players are doing their best to convince themselves Sunday’s game at New England is simply Game 4 of the season.

“At the end of the day, (everyone) is a nameless, faceless opponent,” wide receiver Jakeem Grant said.

But they’re not.

Everyone understands the stakes Sunday. A Miami victory would essentially give the Dolphins (3-0) a three-and-a-half game lead over the Patriots (1-2), whose ship appears to be listing. A Miami victory would give the Dolphins their first win at Gillette Stadium since the...